Gottfried Finger was a Moravian composer and virtuoso viol player. Born in Olomouc, in the modern-day Czech Republic, and arriving in England in 1685, Finger worked for the court of James II before becoming a freelance composer. Hazel Brooks has spent a great deal of time researching the music for this recording, all of which may be found in the British Library manuscript Add. 31466, the single biggest source of violin sonatas by Finger. She writes: 'Finger's sonatas contain a quirky mix of styles. Bohemian features from his homeland, simpler Corellian traits, and the occasional nod to the English Purcellian school are fitted together like crazy paving. This is what gives them their unique charm. Many are made up of contrasting short sections rather than separate movements, sometimes linked by short passages for basso continuo alone, both features characteristic of the Biber school. Finger left a large number of sonatas for violin and basso continuo. We performed them all, immersing ourselves in the style, and this recording presents the finest selection from his output. Because he is known principally for his copious published recorder pieces, aimed at the amateur market, Finger has sometimes been dismissed as a composer of trivial, unadventurous music. I hope that this recording will help to change that mindset, so that Finger finally receives the recognition he deserves.'

Tracklist:

Violin Sonata No. 53 In E Major, Ri 132
Violin Sonata No. 7 In A Major, Ri 119
Violin Sonata No. 9 In D Major, Ri 129
Violin Sonata No. 45 In B-Flat Major, Ri 125
Violin Sonata No. 46 In B-Flat Major, Ri 124
Violin Sonata No. 47 In F Major, Ri 136
Violin Sonata No. 23 In A Major, Ri 120
Violin Sonata No. 14 In B Minor, Ri 122a
Violin Sonata No. 6 In A Major, Ri 118
Violin Sonata No. 54 In F Major, Ri 137
Violin Sonata No. 15 In D Major, Ri 113
Violin Sonata No. 51 In E Major, Ri 134
Violin Sonata No. 52 In E Major, Ri 135

UPC: 095115082423
Label: Chandos
Release Date: 8.23.19
Format: CD

Finger / Duo Dorado - Bohemian in London (CD)